Services & Obituaries

FERGUSON, Vera…

Peacefully at Earls Court Village, London, on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, Vera (Parker) Ferguson passed away in her 93rd year. Beloved wife of the late Harold Ferguson (2013) and the late Harry B. Parker (1970). Loving mother of Rob (Penny) and Kevin (Jan). Cherished grandmother of Jennifer (Luke), Dan (Samantha), Chris (Tanya), and Kelly (Jordan) and great-grandmother of Hailey, Brianna, Maggie, Olivia, Arlo and Charlie. Dear sister of Geraldine Minielly and her husband Gary of Meaford. Predeceased by her brothers George (Marg) and Leonard and sister Noreen (Doug). Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Vera along with her late husband, Harry Parker, dedicated many years to the Boy Scouts of Canada organization as leaders for the 55th Cub Pack and Sea Scout Group in London, Ontario. As said by one of the former cubs, “Vera was someone we could all look up to. She had a positive influence on so many people”. Vera spent her working career as a buyer for Fanshawe College. She along with her best friend and partner in crime, June, did all of the buying for the college from the mid 1970’s until they both retired in 1990. Former co-workers said “Vera was the most organized and efficient person I ever worked with. You always knew where you stood with Vera, and at the same time she would go out of her way to assist where needed. She was well respected by everyone she worked with”. Vera spent the earlier years of her retirement living in a log home on a wooded property just north of Durham, Ontario with her second husband Harold Ferguson. Together they enjoyed the birds, chipmunks and other wildlife, building beautiful gardens and spending time with their 4 grandchildren that would often come for visits. Her latter years found her back in London, living close to where she was born and raised. She made quite an impression on the staff at Windemere on the Mount, Kensington Retirement Home, and most recently at Earls Court Village. With her quick wit and dry sense of humor, Vera will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Cremation has taken place and a private family celebration will take place at a later date. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In memory of Vera, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4, the Canadian Cancer Society, PO Box 640, STN K, Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9, the World Wildlife Foundation, 400-410 Adelaide Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 1S8 or Scouts Canada, 1345 Baseline Road, Ottawa, ON K2C 0A7. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GALLAGHER, Ellen Francis….

Peacefully on Sunday, August 22, 2021, at Parkwood Institute, London, Ellen passed away in her 74th year. Beloved wife of Gerard Gallagher, Mother of Danielle (Rob) Mollicone and Darren Gallagher and loving Grandma of Mia and Melayna Mollicone. Predeceased by her parents Helen Jamison (nee Billings) and Roy William Carter. She shared special relationships with many cousins, and all those she so easily turned from friends into family.

Ellen (Cookie) was born and raised in Guelph, Ontario but settled in London in 1982 where she worked at BMO for 25 years. She was known for her generous spirit and her ability to make each person she met feel like family. Special people in Ellen’s (Cookie’s) life could always count on a pot of tea, a giant hug, and a plateful of homemade butter tarts. Ellen (Cookie) loved laughing with friends and family, scrapbooking, knitting/sewing, and traveling. From road trips and camping, to Christmas tree parties and Sunday roast beef dinners, she loved to care for those around her. She had a warm demeanour and is remembered as being the absolute best mom, gramma, aunt, cousin, friend, and wife. Her unending amounts of red licorice, and her high tolerance of family shenanigans, will be deeply missed.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 from 2-4 & 6-8 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A funeral service will be held on Thursday August 26, 2021 at 11:00 am in the funeral home chapel. Please call the funeral home between 9am-5pm (519-433-5184) to reserve your spot for the visitation and service. As per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, a limited number of people can attend. All those attending are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. Interment at a later date in Memory Gardens Cemetery, Breslau. Donations in memory of Ellen may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program, c/o London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

McKEE, Alice Lorene…

Passed away on August 20, 2021 at Victoria Hospital, London in her 98th year. Our mother was a strong and determined woman who was able to remain at her home until a recent fall ended her independence. Beloved wife of the late William S. J. McKee (2010). They were happily married 68 years. Born January 25, 1924 to the late Anne and Charles Deeley. Predeceased by her sister Sharlane Gordon. Much loved mother to Mary Anne Mills and Bill McKee. Loving grandmother to Sean (deceased), Kerri, Annie, and Ian. Great grandmother to Victoria, Savanna, Ciera, Tristian, Kaitlyn, Cameron, Ethan, Nicolas, Emily, Brandon, Mikayla and Amelia. Survived by several nieces and nephews. Mom loved all of us. Alice had many interesting jobs over the years but her most fulfilling was serving as Director of Volunteers at CPRI for more than 15 years. It was in this capacity that mom met three of her closest friends: Karen, Jackie and Brenda. Our parents loved to travel and visited Europe many times, the Caribbean, Mexico, all of Canada and most of the U.S. Following retirement Mom & Dad spend the winters in Florida and met people from all over the world who would remain good friends until their passing. Mom was a beautiful woman with the most beautiful soul. She will be missed. Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Monday, August 30, 2021 from 1-3pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Please call the funeral home between 9am-5pm (519-433-5184) to reserve your spot for the visitation. As per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, a limited number of people can attend. All those attending are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London to follow. In memory of Alice donations may be made to the Metropolitan United Church; Radio Broadcast, 468 Wellington Street, London, ON N6A 3P8 would be greatly appreciated by the family. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HARRIS, Reginald “Reg”……..

Passed away peacefully on Friday, August 20, 2021 in his 93rd  year at Country Terrance, Komoka. Beloved husband of Margaret (nee Mitchell) Harris. Cherished father of Marie (Ted) Warren and Pam Brighton. Loving grandpa of Tammy (Dennis) McCord, Tracey (Bob) Millard, Aaron (Yi) Brighton and Jodi Brighton.  Reg had 5 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild on the way. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews. 

Reg had a passion for music and animals, often having many pets. He enjoyed fishing and taught Margaret.

Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Friday, August 27, 2021 from 2-4 &6-8 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Please call the funeral home between 9am-5pm (519-433-5184) to reserve your spot for the visitation. As per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, a limited number of people can attend. All those attending are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. A Private funeral service will be held on Saturday August 28, 2021 at 10:30 am. Family and friends are invited to watch the funeral service live from the comfort of their homes, by visiting the AMG Funeral HomeYoutube channel or our website and clicking on the YouTube logo. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London.

In memory of Reg donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society London & Middlesex, 435 Windemere Road, London ON, N5X 2T1 or Diabetes Canada, 1300-522 University Avenue, Toronto ON, M5G 2R5. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HORNICK, Christina…

Peacefully at Marian Villa, London, on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, Christina (nee Veitch) Hornick passed away in her 100th year. Beloved wife of the late Wilfrid William Hornick (2009). Cherished mother of Patricia Grundy (the late Ken) and Barbara Hornick, both of London. Also loved by her grandchildren Paul Grundy (Corienne) of Strathroy and Michael and Shayne Grundy of London. Predeceased by her brothers Neil and Robert Veitch. Also missed by her nieces Susan Jones, Sandra Veitch and Cathy Henson and her husband Brian.

Born and raised in London, Christina had a sweet place in her heart for Old South. She was a long-time member of Wesley-Knox United Church and was part of the UCW for a number of years. She absolutely loved baking, whether it was cookies, tarts or brownies, she would always make sure there was an abundance of sweets. She also really enjoyed bowling, even making sure to get 6 or 7 strikes a game, well into her 90’s. At 94, Christina finally went into long term care, but still enjoyed her time at Marian Villa, playing Bocce Ball, Bingo and going for “bike rides” with the nursing home staff. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Marian Villa 1 Nurses and PSWs, but especially Nurses Nicole, Debra, Kathryn and Kevin, and PSWs Lori, Brittany and Sri for their outstanding care and compassion during mom’s 5-year stay. Two extra special thank yous to PSW Krista and also Aileen in Therapeutic Recreation.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Thursday, August 26, 2021 from 2-4 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Please call the funeral home between 9am-5pm (519-433-5184) to reserve your spot for the visitation. As per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, a limited number of people can attend. All those attending are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. Interment in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, London. Sympathy donations in Christina’s memory may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4, Diabetes Canada, 1300-522 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2R5 or Mission Services of London, 4-797 York Street, London, ON N5W 6A8. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MAYER, Randall…

Unexpectedly at her residence, on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, Randall Mayer, of London, in her 36th year. Cherished mother of Clara and Kimberley. Loving daughter of Laine Mayer and David Malek. Dear sister of Merissa. Randall is remembered for being a social butterfly – she never met a stranger. She loved makeup, fashion and never left the house without looking her best. We remember her bright and beautiful smile, her interest in art and paintings the work of Salvador Dali a favorite. She also loved reading books and poetry; Lewis Carroll and Shel Silverstein for examples. Her spirit and memory lives on with her two daughters. We hope she is resting and at peace, waiting for us to meet again. “In the garden of memory, in the palace of dreams… that is where you and I shall meet.” – The Mad Hatter, “Alice Through the Looking Glass” by Lewis Carroll. Donations in memory of Randall may be made to London InterCommunity Health Centre, 659 Dundas Street, London, ON N5W 2Z1. Those looking to make a contribution to the family are asked to consider their Go Fund Me, https://gofund.me/807168ca. Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

OLSON, Karen Marie…..

Our beautiful Karen died on Saturday, August 7th, 2021, during her Excellent Adventure, doing what she loved, hiking in God’s country – Algonquin Park.

Karen was the proud and fierce mother of Emily and Ryan Garner; the loving partner of Peter Suffoletta; the beloved daughter “Rennie” of Ronald and Linda Olson; and the unconditionally loyal sister of Julia Olson Davids (Martin) and Dan Olson (Malinda Braam).

Karen was the fun and generous aunt of Aiden and Ava Olson and Jerry and Solomon Davids; a loving supporter of Pete’s children, Ashley and Elizabeth; a beloved niece and cousin; and a special friend and colleague to many. She was cradled in her last moments by two dear friends, Stacie Baillie and Lisa Kostecki.

Karen was a beautiful, spirited woman. She was passionate about spending quality time with friends and her family. Her children and Pete were the center of her life and spending time with them, ideally in nature, was a perfect day. Karen was a talented dancer, moving from ballet to salsa through the years. She was crazy about miniature anything! A true artist, she created beautiful miniature pottery and shared custom-designed stone pictures with many. Karen loved the family cottage, nature, plants, and animals. She had an angelic voice and loved to sing, notably with the Amabile Youth Singers and later the Wesley Knox Church
Choir. Karen was a dedicated third generation nurse, showing empathy and compassion for her patients. While we will miss Karen’s strong voice in all of our lives, the music in heaven just received a significant upgrade.

Donations in memory of Karen to Amabile Youth Singers (https://www.amabile.ca/donate/ ) or Wesley Knox Church (https://wesleyknox.com/givings/ ) or any other cause you’re passionate about, would be greatly appreciated.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held on August 30th, 2pm, at Wesley Knox United Church (limited attendance, please pre-register) and a live-streaming option can be found here: https://www.eyepoweredmedia.com/karenolson-celebrationoflife

Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WALCH, Florence “Gramma Jean”…..

Passed away peacefully on Friday, August 6th, 2021, at Parkwood Hospital, London, days shy of her 94th birthday. Beloved wife of the late Bob Walch. Dear mother of Dennis (Connie) Dawe , Douglas (Esther) Dawe , Norman Dawe , James (Lynn) Dawe , Sharon (Hanzel) McEvoy , Barbara Wayner, and Shirley (Chuck) Warren. Survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.   Predeceased by her siblings and grandson Michael.  Jean will be remembered as a kind, gracious volunteer for many organizations in London. Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 from 2-4 &6-8 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A private family funeral service will be held. Please call the funeral home between 9am-5pm (519-433-5184) to reserve your spot for the visitation. As per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, a limited number of people can attend. All those attending are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In memory of Jean donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of London, 184 Horton Street East, London ON, N6B 1K8. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

FORGAN, David…

Peacefully surrounded by love at his residence on Thursday, August 5, 2021, David Forgan in his 71^st year. Loving husband of Shirley (Langille) Forgan for 30 years. Proud step-father of Jason Griffin (Grace), Jarrod Griffin and Samantha Griffin (Paul). Cherished Papa of seven grandchildren. Dear brother of Irene Tansey (Douglas), Gillian Scott (Kenny) and brother-in-law of Kay Sommerville (Jimmy). Predeceased by Sylvia Gannon. David will be missed by his Yellow Lab Charlie. Thank you for all the support from family, friends, and caregivers. Cremation has taken place. A private memorial service will be held at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Friday, August 13, 2021 at 2pm. All those attending the funeral home are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. Family and friends are invited to watch the funeral service live from the comfort of their homes, by visiting the AMG Funeral Home YouTube channel or our website and clicking on the YouTube logo. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities Southwestern Ontario, 741 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MIDDLEMISS, Bill…

Peacefully at University Hospital, London on Thursday, August 5, 2021, William “Bill” Middlemiss passed away in his 92nd year. Beloved husband of the late Sonia M. (nee Hanni) Middlemiss (1999). Loving father of Diane Middlemiss-Cady (Dan) and Stephen Middlemiss (Erika). Cherished Papa of Matthew and Stephanie Middlemiss. Predeceased by his sister Janet Pollock (2020). Remembered by his long-time friend Fidell. Bill was a dedicated Mason under King Solomon’s Lodge No. 378 A.F. & A.M. and was also a member of St. John’s Chapter No. 3, Preceptory No. 4, Knight’s Templar Oriental Band, Royal Scots Pipe & Drums and the Mocha Shriners.

Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Monday, August 9, 2021 from 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A private family funeral service will be held. Please call the funeral home between 9am-5pm (519-433-5184) to reserve your spot for the visitation. As per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, a limited number of people can attend. All those attending are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. In memory of Bill, donations may be made to the Shriners’ Hospitals for Children-Canada, Donor Development, 1003 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal QC H4A 0A9, the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4 or the London Regional Cancer Program, c/o London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Baseline Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com